Kaja Kallas Warns of Potential Escalation from Israeli Military Actions

Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign affairs chief, has issued a caution regarding the heightened tensions in the Middle East due to recent Israeli military operations in neighboring Syria and Lebanon. Speaking at a press briefing alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Jerusalem, Kallas emphasized the need for military actions to be proportionate, stating that the ongoing Israeli airstrikes pose a risk of triggering further escalation in the region.

Kallas articulated the EU's stance, noting that such military measures are deemed unnecessary, particularly as Syria is not currently posing a threat to Israel. She warned that these actions could lead to greater radicalization, which may ultimately be directed against Israel itself.

In response to rocket attacks originating from Lebanon, Israel has recently conducted airstrikes targeting sites associated with the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. These operations have resulted in casualties, with several reports confirming deaths following multiple waves of Israeli air assaults in southern Lebanon over the weekend. Among those affected was a Hezbollah official, who was reportedly injured in one of the attacks.

Since the ousting of Syria's long-time leader, Bashar al-Assad, last December, Israel has reportedly carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria aimed at neutralizing weapon stockpiles. The Israeli government asserts that these actions are crucial to preventing strategic weapons from falling into the hands of hostile entities, particularly in light of the rise of new Islamist powers in Damascus.

When asked about concerns regarding the new Syrian leadership, Kallas acknowledged the shared apprehensions. She indicated that discussions have taken place within the EU, focusing on the necessity of establishing a stable Syria. The member states have collectively agreed on the importance of a stable political environment in the country.

The recent shift in power occurred when Assad was overthrown on December 8 by the Islamist HTS militia and allied groups. The HTS leader, Sharaa, has assumed the role of interim president.

In a related development, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently expressed Germany's strong interest in promoting stability in Syria during her visit to Damascus, where she also announced the reopening of Germany's embassy, which had been closed since January 2012. Baerbock urged the new authorities to manage extremist factions within their ranks effectively.